Telangana plans EV push, may offer e-scooters to female students

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday said the state government is considering a proposal to provide electric scooters to female college students in the state. The announcement was made during an event held to felicitate women journalists on the occasion of International Women's Day.The chief minister said the plan was part of an election promise made by the ruling Indian National Congress. However, he indicated that the initiative may not be implemented during the current financial year. According to Reddy, the proposal is still under review and the government is exploring ways to roll it out in the future.Apart from the student mobility plan, the state government is also working on several measures aimed at reducing pollution in Hyderabad. Reddy said around 2,800 diesel buses operated by the state-run Telangana State Road Transport Corporation will be gradually removed from the city. The government plans to replace them with electric AC buses, with the goal of ensuring that no diesel buses operate in Hyderabad by December 9, 2026.The state is also preparing another initiative focused on three-wheelers. The government is planning to introduce an action plan to retrofit nearly two lakh autos currently running on diesel or other fuels and convert them into electric vehicles.Reddy further noted that the government is encouraging electric mobility by not imposing taxes on EV purchases, making it easier for people to switch to cleaner transport options.Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity across India in recent years, particularly in the two-wheeler segment, where electric scooters are seeing strong demand. Lower running costs, reduced emissions and government incentives have helped accelerate adoption, especially in cities where pollution and fuel costs remain key concerns.